Helen 'Brad' Bradford Dale

Helen Bradford Dale “Brad” age 82 of Richmond Virginia passed away on April 3, 2026. Born on July 10, 1943 in Richmond Virginia, Brad was the daughter of the late Charles William and Constance Kelly Whitehead. She was preceded in death by her brother Stanley Whitehead. Brad was beloved by all who knew her and she had a remarkable way of making each person she knew feel valued and appreciated. Brad attended Marymount High School and Mary Washington College. After college, Brad married Edgar C. Eck Jr., with whom she had 4 children: E.C., Bill, Kelly and Brandi. She later married Steve Dale, who has been her cherished husband for 28 years. Brad was a devoted mother, a loving wife, and a treasured grandmother known as “Mutti” to her grandchildren who were the absolute joy of her life. In her youth, Brad loved sports and ballet and was a force on the tennis court. She inspired many as an aerobics instructor and later as a yoga instructor. Brad had a natural flair for fashion and gardening. She spent her later years sharing her time and heart with seniors at Our Lady of Hope. Brad is survived by her husband, Steve Dale; her four children, E. C. Eck (Margaret), Bill Eck, Kelly Mize (David), and Brandi Sutherlin (Michael); her eight grandchildren, Wyatt Eck, Claudia Vick (Robert), Cole Eck (Kate), Oakley Mize, Ned Mize, Brodie Mize, Madison Sutherlin, and Saige Sutherlin; and her sister, Evelyn Hutson. Brad will be remembered forever in the hearts of those who loved her. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11am in the lodge at HOPE Church, 12445 Patterson Ave. Richmond, VA 23238. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or to HOPE Church.